Fact Sheet
Caring for the Older
Horse
The life span of our horses
is increasing:
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approximately 29% of the UK horse
population are older than 15 years of age;
many older horses continue to have a
useful working life and still participate in
regular athletic activity;
a recent study showed that older horses
received less preventive health care
measures, such as vaccination, farriery
and routine veterinary care, when in fact
they often need an increased level of
care in these areas.
Health
problems of
the older horse
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Causes of weight loss
in older horses include
dental problems, reduced
digestion of nutrients, equine
Cushing’s disease (PPID1),
and chronic pain.
Older horses have different
nutritional requirements to
younger horses.
Arthritis is common in
older horses; signs are
chronic lameness, stiff
gait, and sometimes bony
enlargements around the
joints.
Older horses can develop
cancer of the skin and/or
internal organs. These
do not necessarily pose
an immediate threat to a
horse’s life, but need to be
addressed and managed for
continuing quality of life.
It can be difficult to distinguish between normal ageing
and signs of disease, so regular veterinary visits are
important to help detect health problems early.
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Heart murmurs are found
more often in older horses
and their significance can be
assessed by your vet.
Several eye conditions
are more common with
advancing age; your vet can
assess the significance of
these changes for you.
1 Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)
XLVets Equine - Better Together
XLVets Equine - Better Together
KEY POINTS:
Older horses require:
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annual vaccinations
regular dental examinations (usually at
least every six months)
worm control
regular farriery
regular health checks.
XLVets Caring for the Older Horse
General Care
GC
Focus on dental care
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Treatment
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Regular check-ups are an ideal way to ensure that any problems
are identified and treated promptly.
Older horses should be vaccinated even if they don’t travel. Other
horses can pass on diseases such as flu and older horses are still
susceptible to tetanus.
Although arthritis is very common in older horses there are several
treatment options available at all stages of the disease; to improve
performance, maintain soundness or to reduce discomfort.
Discuss the options suitable for your horse with your vet.
Dental problems are common in older horses, signs may include
weight loss, quidding (dropping food), and food packing in the
cheeks or favouring one side of the mouth when chewing.
Laboratory tests on a blood sample can give an early warning of
abnormal organ function.
Equine Cushing’s disease (PPID1) is common in older horses
and can now be easily tested for and managed with a daily tablet
treatment.
Older horses can be more prone to parasites such as worms and
also external parasites such as lice, so including them in your deworming programme is vital.
1 Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)
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A significant proportion of weight
loss cases seen in older horses
involve dental problems.
A lot of horses are very stoical
about dental pain, so regular
examinations are essential.
Diastema (gaps) develop between
teeth in older age allowing food to
become trapped causing painful
gum disease.
Teeth may fall out or become loose
in later life.
The grinding surface of the
tooth roots can become smooth,
preventing effective chewing.
The loss of teeth can result in the
overgrowth of the opposing teeth
and sharp jagged edges.
Regular dental examinations allow
problems to be identified and
treated earlier.
Where dental function can’t be
improved your vet can offer advice
on feeding.
For further information contact your local XLVets Equine practice:
XLVets Equine is a novel and exciting initiative conceived from
within the veterinary profession made up of independently owned,
progressive veterinary practices located throughout the United
Kingdom, members of XLVets Equine are committed to working
together for the benefit of all their clients.
© XLVet UK Ltd.
Penbode Equine Vets - Serving Devon and Cornwall
Holsworthy, Devon, 01409 255 549
Okehampton, Devon, 01837 506 070
www.penbodevets.co.uk/equine-vets-devon.php
No part of this publication may be reproduced without
prior permission of the publisher.
XLVets Equine - Better Together. Go to www.xlvets.co.uk
XLVets Equine - Better Together. Go to www.xlvets.co.uk